How to Fix Red Highlights That Faded Without Going to a Salon

Red hair dye fades faster than any other color.

Red highlights are an eye-catching way to add depth and dimension to hair, but unfortunately, red hair dye inevitably fades and there isn't much that can be done without going back to the salon for a touch-up to restore the color. You can, however, use an at-home highlighting kit between salon visits to refresh red highlights. Choose a kit that comes with a plastic comb for easy application and simply follow the package instructions. Keep red highlights bright and vibrant longer by following a few extra practices and precautions after getting your highlights or touching them up at home.

Things You'll Need

• Red highlighting kit

Instructions

1. Don't wash your hair before highlighting. Your hair's natural oils will help dyes and pigments to saturate the hair.

2. Brush hair thoroughly before highlighting so the highlighting comb will slide smoothly down the hair shaft, preventing streaks or spots.

3. Practice running the highlighting comb down your hair a few times before applying the dye so you get accustomed to the motion to prevent mistakes or slip-ups.

4. Apply the dye to the comb and pull it down the entire length of your hair, starting at the roots. Keep highlights thin and natural looking by combing only once -- repeating over strands can make them look too thick or blotchy.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the specific instructions that come with the highlighting kit you purchase.

• Use semi-permanent or temporary dye.

• Don't wash your hair every day. Red pigment slips out of hair with each washing. The longer you go between washes, the longer your highlights will stay vibrant.

• Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, or shampoo and conditioner specifically made for red color-treated hair. Some shampoos and conditioners contain a small amount of pigment that's deposited onto hair with every washing, resulting in brighter, invigorated hair color.

• Wear a hat or headscarf outdoors to keep hair out of the sun. Exposure to sunlight will speed red highlight fading.

• Schedule glossing treatments with your hair stylist between highlighting appointments to refresh any fading between coloring.

• Wash hair with filtered water to keep mineral deposits from dulling hair.

• Sleep on satin pillows at night. The fabric softens hair and keeps it looking shiny.

• Apply an avocado mask to hair once a week to keep hair looking shiny and to improve the appearance of dull highlights.

References

• Real Beauty: "I Want My Red Color to Last Longer. Help!"; Marie Robinson
• Cosmopolitan: Home Highlighting